Jessica Reid - Inclusion & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Jessica has gained a wealth of experience in specialist education both in and outside of London across primary, secondary and residential settings. She has spent a number of years supporting children and young people with complex learning needs and associated social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Jessica studied Psychology at the University of Leeds and developed her skills supporting children with a diverse range of needs across both the education and charity sectors. Jessica specialised specifically in trauma-informed practise and worked with victim support as an advocate for children and young people who had experienced domestic abuse and adverse life experiences. With this knowledge, Jessica brings with her an understanding of the impact adversity can have on a young person and what is needed to promote educational outcomes and support pupils to reach their full potential.

Jessica is passionate about promoting the safety and wellbeing of young people and ensuring that they are given the opportunity to learn and live a happy and fulfilling life.

 Dan Bunker - Head of Behaviour & Pastoral Lead

Dan Bunker is an accomplished educator with over a decade of leadership experience in the field of special education, particularly specialising in Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education and Citizenship. His commitment to innovation in developing access to education has positively impacted marginalised students, allowing them to overcome barriers and engage fully in their learning experiences. Starting his teaching career in a specialist therapeutic school, which gave him the bedrock to build a compassionate and trauma-informed approach to working in education.

Before embarking on his career in education, Dan held senior leadership positions in the voluntary sector, where he worked closely with vulnerable populations, including homeless families, young carers, and LGBTQ+ young individuals. This background has endowed him with a profound understanding of the challenges faced by marginalised groups, which he brings to his educational practice.

Dan is deeply passionate about promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within educational settings. He believes that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. Through his leadership, he has focused on removing obstacles that hinder marginalised students from accessing quality education. His dedication extends beyond academic achievement; he inspires students to care about the world around them and recognise their role in it.

With a reputation for being an empathetic leader and an advocate for social justice, Dan Bunker's work continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many young people, empowering them to achieve their full potential and contribute positively to society.

Kellie Pearce - School Business Manager

Kellie Pearce's responsibility as School Business Manager is to ensure the effective delivery of all business management services across the school, including finance, office/admin, premises, IT and facilities. Kellie has extensive experience working in commercial roles across the corporate, charity and education sectors and, prior to joining Vanguard School in August 2024, was a School Business Manager for over two years, working across multiple schools in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Kellie holds a degree in Business Studies and her strength is the setting of prudent budgets at times of financial uncertainty, achieving value for money to ensure the core business of teaching and learning flourishes. She is also dedicated to ensuring that Vanguard School offers the best learning environment and facilities available to promote the well-being of pupils and staff.

Kellie has a passion for working with children and has held various voluntary roles across local London boroughs over the last 8 years.  Kellie was a Parent Governor for 4 years at an Ofsted-rated outstanding school in Bermondsey and in this role concentrated on supporting the curriculum and securing funding grants. Kellie is a Level 1 qualified FA football coach and, in addition to managing a grassroots youth football team for 6 years, also delivered after-school football clubs across years 1 to 6 in order to support the development of not only the children's football abilities, but also to help with building confidence and team/social skills.